Sigmoid Colon Perforation after Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Bowel injury after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery is a rare but serious complication. In particular, diagnosis of a patient with bowel injury is difficult because of the unusual patient presentation and remaining intraabdominal gas. We report on a case of a sigmoid colon perforation after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. A 42-year-old woman with abdominal pain and distention underwent exploratory laparotomy. She had undergone laparoscopic gynecologic surgery 6 days ago. During the procedure, a sigmoid colon perforation was found as well as severe inflammation at the pelvic cavity. The patient underwent segmental resection of the sigmoid colon with loop ileostomy. Postoperative acute abdomen did not show classic signs on physical examination and diagnostic imaging. Thus, a more careful approach and interpretation of diagnosis was needed.